🇿🇦 South Africa – Bafana Bafana

 

South Africa’s biggest strength in recent years has been their defensive solidity, built on a disciplined, well-structured low block and coordinated pressing. With most of the squad drawn from the Premier Soccer League (PSL), the team enjoys strong cohesion, familiarity, and tactical understanding. Their midfield pivot provides balance, ensuring smooth transitions and efficient ball recycling.

 

Key Players:

• Ronwen Williams: One of Africa’s top goalkeepers, renowned for elite shot-stopping and penalty-saving ability.

• Teboho Mokoena: A dynamic midfielder with a powerful long-range shot and strong set-piece delivery.

• Percy Tau: A creative, technical forward capable of unlocking defenses with dribbling and intelligent movement.

• Khuliso Mudau: An energetic full-back who combines defensive resilience with impressive pace.

South Africa can build on their momentum from strong recent performances. Their growing tactical maturity allows them to compete effectively against possession-dominant teams, while their structure makes them dangerous on counterattacks against Africa’s strongest sides.

They often struggle to break down compact defenses due to the absence of a prolific striker. Their heavy reliance on key players such as Williams and Mokoena also exposes depth issues, particularly in attacking positions.

🇪🇬 Egypt – The Pharaohs

 

Egypt enters the tournament with unmatched AFCON pedigree, backed by decades of high-pressure experience and strong tournament culture. The Pharaohs remain defensively disciplined, with a compact shape and technically gifted midfielders who can dictate tempo and sustain possession.

Key Players:

• Mohamed Salah: The team’s talisman—world-class in finishing, creativity, and leadership.

• Mohamed Elneny: Provides calm, smart distribution and structure in midfield.

• Trézéguet: A direct winger with excellent work rate and consistent goal contributions.

• Mohamed Abdelmonem: One of Africa’s best defenders, known for anticipation, positioning, and physical strength.

Egypt benefits from deep squad experience across top leagues in Europe and the Middle East. They possess strong set-piece specialists and aerial threats, and often thrive against teams that allow space in midfield.

Their overdependence on Salah for goals and creativity poses a risk if he is tightly marked or unavailable. An aging midfield core could also struggle against teams that press aggressively with high intensity.

 

🇦🇴 Angola – Palancas Negras

Angola has developed a new generation of technically gifted forwards who excel in transition and 1v1 situations. Their squad is physically strong, filled with fast, powerful runners capable of matching Africa’s elite teams. The growing presence of young players from top leagues in Europe and Africa has added freshness and unpredictability to their style.

 

Key Players:

• Gelson Dala: Versatile forward with sharp movement and clinical finishing.

• Fredy Ribeiro: Creative midfielder with excellent vision and set-piece quality.

• Zini & Mabululu: Aggressive, physical attackers who trouble opposing defenders.

• Eddie Afonso: A reliable defender who brings leadership and organization.

Angola has the tools to surprise higher-ranked teams, especially with their quick transitions. Their confidence has grown following strong performances in qualifiers and regional tournaments. With pace on the wings, they can easily exploit slower defensive lines.

Their defensive organization remains inconsistent, leading to avoidable goals. Dependence on counterattacks can leave them vulnerable when opponents dominate possession. Limited experience in AFCON knockout stages is another challenge they must overcome.

🇿🇼 Zimbabwe – The Warriors

Zimbabwe’s strengths lie in their individual attacking talent, with a history of producing skillful wingers and creative forwards. Their high work rate, physical style, and athleticism give them an advantage in intense, fast-paced matches. Goalkeeping has also been a reliable department for them.

Key Players:

• Knowledge Musona: A respected veteran known for leadership, technique, and set-piece quality.

• Tino Kadewere: A forward with European experience, combining link-up play and intelligent movement.

• Marvelous Nakamba: A ball-winning midfielder noted for positional discipline and defensive reliability.

• Jordan Zemura: An energetic full-back who provides width and attacking thrust.

Zimbabwe has a chance to rebuild positively after past administrative setbacks. With renewed motivation and an increased number of Europe-based players, they possess the quality to trouble stronger teams through direct, vertical football.

Inconsistent preparation—often caused by off-field administrative issues—remains a major concern. Depth is limited, especially in central defense and midfield creativity. Disruptions in domestic structures may hinder players’ match rhythm heading into the tournament.